ID Theft

Identify Theft

At SENB Bank we are your partner in protecting your confidential information. Despite the efforts of criminals and the sophistication of their technology, together we can keep your personal information safe and secure. Knowledge is power; you can avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

There are many techniques available to scam artists to get you to reveal personal information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers and passwords. Avoid being reeled in by these phishing expeditions!

NEVER provide any personal information in response to any email request to confirm your information: Think about it, why would any legitimate institution ask you for information they already have?

BE CAREFUL: when shopping online only use secure websites, make sure there is a “lock” icon on the browser status bar or look for “https” in the web address and monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly for any suspicious activity; don’t respond to “urgent” email that threatens closure of an account…be suspicious to any message with a sense of urgency.

MONITOR YOUR CREDIT REPORT: You can obtain a free copy of your credit report annually at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.

DON’T BE FOOLED: criminals often send fraudulent emails claiming to be e-Bay or Pay Pal. If you receive any email from either of these companies, do not reveal anything.

BE IN CONTROL: only give credit card numbers and personal data with transactions YOU initiate.

CHECK TO BE SURE: when using a public computer (hotel, library, internet cafe, etc.) verify there is adequate virus protection.

It’s hard to keep ahead of the criminals. They are clever and prey on the vulnerable. Here are some current scams:

Fraudulent cashier’s checks and money orders — if you are contacted by a stranger and asked to deposit what appears to be a valid cashier’s check into your account, BEWARE. Although it may appear they have a genuine reason not to open an account the cashier’s check is actually stolen or fake. Be especially wary if you are asked to wire any of the money to an out-of-state or off shore bank.

Lottery Scam — Crooks contact people to advise them they’ve won a lottery. Ask yourself: how can you win something you never entered?

Inheritance Scam — Similarly, another scheme involves notifying a victim they’ve inherited money from a distant relative or friend, claiming the inheritance tax must be paid before disbursement.

Online fraud — With the explosion of online “sharing” comes an explosion of ways and means to scam innocent victims out of their personal information.

Don’t click on email links within an email. Instead, enter the web address in your browser.

Do not open any email from any unknown sender.

Be very cautious about disclosing personal information either online or over the phone.

ALWAYS review your credit card statement.

Be very wary of any offer that requires advance payment before receiving a benefit.

Shred unused checks, bills and bank statements.

IF YOU BECOME A VICTIM

1. Contact SENB Bank and any other financial institution with which you have an account and report the account number which may have been compromised.

2. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report: